The Newborn Essential Solutions and Technologies (NEST360) program, implemented in Tanzania by the Ifakara Health Institute in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and regional partners, hosted a Healthcare Quality Improvement (CQI) Refresher Training from August 25–29, 2025, at PSSSF Hall, Dar es Salaam.

The training brought together over 40 healthcare professionals from seven phase one hospitals across Tanzania, aiming to strengthen knowledge, enhance teamwork, and align staff with current CQI practices. Participants included neonatal unit doctors and nurses, Quality Improvement (QI) coaches, Work Improvement Team (WIT) leaders, and biomedical technicians—all playing a critical role in advancing newborn care. 

Advisors and facilitators from the Ministry of Health, Muhimbili National Hospital – Mloganzila, and the Regional Health Management Team (RHMT) also joined, providing technical guidance and sharing expertise.

Strengthening impact where it counts

Newborn mortality remains a pressing challenge in Tanzania and across sub-Saharan Africa. High-quality neonatal care can significantly reduce preventable deaths and complications among infants, particularly in the first 28 days of life. 

Continuous quality improvement (CQI) empowers healthcare teams to identify gaps, implement effective solutions, and sustain better outcomes over time. By equipping staff with the latest skills and data-driven tools, this training ensures that every intervention—whether clinical, operational, or managerial—translates into safer, more reliable care for newborns.

Over the five-day program, healthcare providers reviewed ongoing QI projects, explored CQI concepts, and received hands-on training on interpreting data using the NEST IT dashboard. Sessions also focused on strengthening Work Improvement Teams (WITs) and conducting clinical and neonatal death audits, tools that are vital for identifying gaps and driving sustainable change.

NEST360 program impact and challenges

Since its introduction in Tanzania in 2019, the NEST360 program has made significant progress in improving the quality of care in neonatal units. However, challenges such as equipment shortages, weak leadership, delayed data entry, and high staff turnover continue to affect the consistency of quality improvements. This refresher training was designed to address those challenges by equipping frontline staff with the skills and confidence to sustain progress and lead change in their facilities.

Speaking during the sessions, facilitators emphasized the importance of teamwork, leadership, and data-driven decision-making in ensuring that every newborn has access to quality care. By the end of the training, participants had not only refreshed their knowledge but also strengthened their commitment to improving neonatal outcomes in Tanzania. The program reaffirmed the vital role of CQI in healthcare delivery, underscoring that sustained improvement depends on empowered teams, reliable data, and strong leadership at every level of the health system.